ClareOaks SENIOR LIVING Safety first in Carl's corner of Bartlett When he sold real estate in the 1990s and 2000s, Carl Cannella had to keep tabs on dozens of properties. In his current job, he only has to take care of one. In 2011, Cannella became Director of Facilities Management at Clare Oaks, the continuing care retirement community in Bartlett a simple, straightforward job title. But titles can be deceiving. "Maintenance of machinery, upkeep of mechanical systems, heating and air- conditioning, the water systems, equipment upkeep, engineering," explains Cannella when asked what exactly his job entails. "It also includes painting, roofing, windows, as well as service requests. There are 164 independent living units here, so anything those people might need: assembling furniture, hanging artwork... "Of course I also oversee the landscaping and asistance forward. When a seat on the CHUG snow removal," he continues, with energetic cheer. "And we have guards on duty at all hours, Cannella was chosen to fill it. "Eventually, I'll and their supervisor reports to me as well." Think of his job as your typical building- superintendent position, only on steroids. That should pose enough of a challenge for anyone. But the 59-year-old Cannella also has managed to squeeze in some other responsibilities that bring added value to Clare Oaks. For instance, at his monthly "Carl's Corner" meetings, he shares information that could help residents stay safe -even on subjects they'd prefer not to think about. Topics have included where to go in case of fire; how to minimize the spread of infectious diseases - an issue of renewed interest owing to the coronavirus outbreak in China - and even what to do in the horrific case of gun violence on the grounds. "Of course, that's not likely," Cannella readily admits. "But it seems that every day there's some sort of incident somewhere." So Cannella worked with Bartlett police to implement an active shooter policy specifically designed for Clare Oaks residents. (Such procedures are now required throughout the state.) Carl Cannella, Director of Facilities Management ar Clare Oaks Now he'll have the chance to pay that Board of Directors opened up at the end of 2019, be teaching others the kind of things that I've learned," he said. Cannella lives in the small village of Elburn, about 20 miles southwest of Bartlett, with his wife and adult son. He started working at Clare Oaks in 2008 and three years later moved into his current position, where he supervises a staff of six, as well as sccurity personnel. He also coordinates the efforts of other departments. At home, he practices what he teaches but with mixed results. "In my job, I emphasize the importance of planning for things we'd rather not think about. I tell people how important it is to make an emergency preparedness kit and have it ready. But my son kept putting it off," he says, "So I finally packed one for him." About Clare Oaks Since 2008, Clare Oaks provides independent living apartments and cottages as well as a continuum of care for nearly 300 residents on its 41-acre campus. Lifestyle and healthcare programs include independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Clare Oaks boasts a five-star rating, the highest for skilled nursing and short-term rehab, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In both 2018/19 and 2019/20, US News & World Report awarded Clare Oaks a high-performance ranking for Short-Term Stay Rehab. Cannella also relied on training he received from the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG). This Illinois-based non- profit was created after 9/11 to foster disaster preparedness for healthcare organizations, including continuing-care retirement communities. "CHUG equips people to present this emergency information and helps train staff and residents to handle such events." For more information about Clare Oaks, 825 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, Il., call 630- 372-1983 or visit ClareOaks.org. ClareOaks SENIOR LIVING Safety first in Carl's corner of Bartlett When he sold real estate in the 1990s and 2000s, Carl Cannella had to keep tabs on dozens of properties. In his current job, he only has to take care of one. In 2011, Cannella became Director of Facilities Management at Clare Oaks, the continuing care retirement community in Bartlett a simple, straightforward job title. But titles can be deceiving. "Maintenance of machinery, upkeep of mechanical systems, heating and air- conditioning, the water systems, equipment upkeep, engineering," explains Cannella when asked what exactly his job entails. "It also includes painting, roofing, windows, as well as service requests. There are 164 independent living units here, so anything those people might need: assembling furniture, hanging artwork... "Of course I also oversee the landscaping and asistance forward. When a seat on the CHUG snow removal," he continues, with energetic cheer. "And we have guards on duty at all hours, Cannella was chosen to fill it. "Eventually, I'll and their supervisor reports to me as well." Think of his job as your typical building- superintendent position, only on steroids. That should pose enough of a challenge for anyone. But the 59-year-old Cannella also has managed to squeeze in some other responsibilities that bring added value to Clare Oaks. For instance, at his monthly "Carl's Corner" meetings, he shares information that could help residents stay safe -even on subjects they'd prefer not to think about. Topics have included where to go in case of fire; how to minimize the spread of infectious diseases - an issue of renewed interest owing to the coronavirus outbreak in China - and even what to do in the horrific case of gun violence on the grounds. "Of course, that's not likely," Cannella readily admits. "But it seems that every day there's some sort of incident somewhere." So Cannella worked with Bartlett police to implement an active shooter policy specifically designed for Clare Oaks residents. (Such procedures are now required throughout the state.) Carl Cannella, Director of Facilities Management ar Clare Oaks Now he'll have the chance to pay that Board of Directors opened up at the end of 2019, be teaching others the kind of things that I've learned," he said. Cannella lives in the small village of Elburn, about 20 miles southwest of Bartlett, with his wife and adult son. He started working at Clare Oaks in 2008 and three years later moved into his current position, where he supervises a staff of six, as well as sccurity personnel. He also coordinates the efforts of other departments. At home, he practices what he teaches but with mixed results. "In my job, I emphasize the importance of planning for things we'd rather not think about. I tell people how important it is to make an emergency preparedness kit and have it ready. But my son kept putting it off," he says, "So I finally packed one for him." About Clare Oaks Since 2008, Clare Oaks provides independent living apartments and cottages as well as a continuum of care for nearly 300 residents on its 41-acre campus. Lifestyle and healthcare programs include independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Clare Oaks boasts a five-star rating, the highest for skilled nursing and short-term rehab, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In both 2018/19 and 2019/20, US News & World Report awarded Clare Oaks a high-performance ranking for Short-Term Stay Rehab. Cannella also relied on training he received from the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG). This Illinois-based non- profit was created after 9/11 to foster disaster preparedness for healthcare organizations, including continuing-care retirement communities. "CHUG equips people to present this emergency information and helps train staff and residents to handle such events." For more information about Clare Oaks, 825 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, Il., call 630- 372-1983 or visit ClareOaks.org.